Hoyer Statement on 200 Days of the Recovery Act

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer released the following statement today after Vice President Joe Biden discussed the results of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act after being in effect for 200 days as of this Saturday, September 5th:

“This Saturday marks the 200th day since the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, legislation designed to end the economic crisis inherited by the Obama Administration. Today, it is clear that it has had the intended effect of stopping the decline, and that our economy is on the way to recovery. In remarks today, Vice President Biden pointed out that implementation of the Recovery Act has met or exceeded all ten ambitious goals set earlier this summer, including expanding service at 1,129 health centers in 50 states and eight territories, funding 135,000 education jobs, and hiring or keeping on the job 5,000 law enforcement officers. While one goal called for the start of improvement projects at 98 airports and 1,500 highway sites, it was significantly surpassed: improvements have already begun at 192 airports and 2,200 highway locations.

“All of these projects, and more, are putting Americans back to work and creating jobs. The Recovery Act’s combination of tax relief, infrastructure projects, and help for Americans hurting the most in the downturn is a central reason why, as the Wall Street Journal reported last month, ‘The majority of the economists…surveyed during the past few days said the recession that began in December 2007 is now over.’

“Nevertheless, I recognize that the effects of the recession remain all too present for Americans who are still out of work. That is why the Recovery Act was designed to continue taking effect through the fall, so that there is sustained support for job creation that will return our economy to strength.”